Powder skiing, it's the holy grail of winter sports. The feeling of effortlessly gliding on top of the snow. making the first tracks is something every skier dreams of. But skiing in deep powder can be intimidating, especially if you're used to skiing on groomed runs. Fear not, because I'm here to give you some tips and tricks to help you master the art of skiing in powder.
Let's talk technique. Here are some tips to help you ski in deep powder like a pro:
You'll want to stay centered on your skis and keep your weight evenly distributed. Think of it like trying to balance a tray of drinks while walking on ice, except you're on skis in deep snow. Good luck!
Maintain a slight bend in your knees to absorb the terrain variations. This helps you navigate through the uneven surface of powder and provides better control. Adopt a wider stance than usual to provide stability and prevent your skis from crossing. This wider base enhances your ability to initiate turns in deep snow.
The best way to stay on top of the snow is to maintain your speed. It's like surfing a wave, you can’t stand still or you’ll fall over. If you move too slowly, you’ll likely sink into the snow as powder is a lot softer and fluffier than the firmer, groomed snow, so you need to keep moving. A steady pace also enhances the skier's ability to maneuver through the snow, allowing for more precise turns and increased stability.
When skiing in powder, it is important to lean slightly backwards and keep the tips of your skis up to maintain your balance and control. This is because the deep snow creates more resistance, making it more challenging to turn and maneuver.
Leaning back helps you to keep your weight on your skis' tails, allowing them to float on top of the snow and prevent your tips from diving down. This way, you can maintain your speed and direction without getting stuck or losing control. By mastering this technique, you can enjoy skiing in powder with confidence and ease.
Make gradual, sweeping turns instead of sharp, abrupt movements. This allows for better control and prevents the snow from building up in front of your skis.
Use your poles for balance and to help guide your turns. Plant them in the snow at the beginning of each turn to assist in maintaining rhythm and control. Click here to learn how to use your skiing poles.
As you make your turns, make sure your upper body is facing downhill. This will help you maintain your balance and keep your skis pointed in the right direction.
Opt for wider skis with a powder-specific design. These skis provide better floatation on top of the snow, making it easier to maneuver through deep powder. Smaller skis lack the surface area needed to stay on top of the powder, causing them to sink and get bogged down in the snow. This sinking effect increases the resistance and makes it difficult to maintain momentum, leading to a greater likelihood of falls and a less enjoyable skiing experience.
Tension in your body can hinder your ability to adapt to the terrain. Stay relaxed, and let your skis flow with the snow. This reduces fatigue and enhances your overall skiing experience in powder.
Let's talk about your equipment. You will need specialized equipment to ensure your safety and enjoyment, this is extra important, as you’ll be dealing with more challenging conditions, and might be away from other people on the mountain that could help if you came into some trouble.
You're going to need some fat skis if you want to stay on top of the snow. Think of it like trying to walk in stilettos on a sandy beach, it's not going to end well. So, go ahead and invest in (or rent) some skis with a wide waist (around 90 to 100mm or more) and a rockered tip. And for the love of snow, make sure your bindings are properly adjusted for your weight and skiing ability. You can calculate your binding settings with our calculator here.
You will need a pair of poles that are strong, lightweight, and adjustable. They will help you maintain your balance and provide support when skiing uphill.
This includes a transceiver, shovel, and probe. The transceiver helps you locate other skiers in the event of an avalanche, while the shovel and probe help you dig them out.
You will need a backpack to carry all of your gear, including water, food, extra layers, and your avalanche safety gear.
A helmet is essential to protect your head from injury in case of a fall or collision.
You will need a pair of goggles that provide adequate UV protection and visibility in changing light conditions. If you want to read more about what goggles to wear, click here.
You will need appropriate clothing for the conditions, including a waterproof jacket, pants, gloves, and thermal layers.
You will need a map, compass, or GPS to navigate off-piste terrain.
It is important to have a first-aid kit on hand in case of injury or emergency.
Off-piste skiing can be more challenging than skiing on-piste. So be honest with yourself and judge your own skiing ability, don’t push yourself too hard or you could end the day with an injury.
Check the forecast and avalanche risk levels before heading off-piste. Always follow the advice of the local experts, and if you are unsure, stay on the safe side and ski on-piste. It’s not wort the risk. So if you feel uncomfortable or unsure about the situation, trust your instincts and turn back.
Plan in advance and be aware of any potential hazards, such as cliffs or crevasses. Make sure you have a backup plan in case conditions change while you’re out there.
Make sure you know how to use your safety equipment and have a first aid kit with you. The equipment is useless, unless you know how to use it. Additionally, know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
And that is everything that you need to know before you take to the backcountry. However, before you go, make sure to let any friends or family know where you’re going, just to be extra safe.
If you enjoyed reading this, why not check out some of our other articles:
or, check out our DIN calculator to find the binding settings that you should be using.